Nail Design

2019 Nail Trend Forecast

bySarah Waite |
January 16, 2019

Nails by Adreanna Corrales @chicaartistanails

This year’s trends signal a return to classic and clean styles, with an emphasis on wearability and approachability. Of course, there are a few exceptions…We can’t be expected to behave ourselves all the time.

Fariha Ali, celebrity nail artist and creator of Nailjob, says, “With nail art having gained so much popularity in the past few years, consumers are paying more attention to details and are starting to crave more than just a bold accent nail.”

Well said. Here are a few ways to rise above the accent nail this year.

Modern French

Nails by Alicia Torello for Essie

Nails by Ami Vega @amivnails

Nails by Jekaterina (Katie) Rudnicke @I.KATIE.RU

We all know it…we’ve all done it… The French manicure. It’s a polarizing subject, for sure, with some finding the look dated and snoozy. To keep them from taking you back to the 1990s, update French styles with modern twists like colored tips, a matte finish, or pigment effects. Ali notes that adding chrome to your French manicures can be a good way to update them, particularly for clients who prefer a simpler look. “It’s a classic look that most people love to wear,” she says.

Tracey Reierson, director of education for Young Nails, suggests mixing French elements with other styles. “Look for French to be incorporated into sets: a couple of smile lines, a couple of glitter presses, and some full color — all on the same set.” Because who doesn’t love a good mix and match?

Transparency/Glass

This trend started in the latter part of 2018 and will continue to grow this year. “There is a huge trend toward crystal-clear works of art on nails,” notes CND co-founder Jan Arnold. “Utilizing clear gels and liquid-and-powder allows for a precious illusion of refinement and glamour.”

From negative space to treasures encapsulated in clear enhancements to tinted gel shades, there are a number of ways to get in on this trend. Just be sure to keep them totally transparent for maximum impact.

“These trends will continue to break the mold of traditional extensions, with more and more nail techs adopting clear nail tip enhancement methods,” predicts Ashley Gregory, session manicurist and founder of The Nailscape.

Ready to take this trend to the next level? “Don’t be afraid to play with transparency,” says NAILS’ Next Top Nail Artist Season 5 winner Valérie Ducharme, who suggests mixing transparent effects with matte-finish details for a textural contrast. Gracie J of The Editorial Nail believes that more glass French manicures are on the horizon. “This look is still catching on, and I’m eager to see what everyone will do to take it to the next level.” Bonus points for combining two trends in one set!

I Love the ’80s

Nails by Fariha Ali @nailjob

Nails courtesy of Essie

Nails by Bel Fountain-Townsend @sohotrightnail

Nails by Bel Fountain-Townsend @sohotrightnail

Ready for a throwback year? Experts predict that for your nail art-obsessed clients, the forecast is retro! Arnold foresees ’80s styles will be a huge hit, particularly for summer: “Kick it up with bold, clashing, rebellious colors, artfully painted in graffiti, kimono, or bold ’80s-inspired Ziggy Stardust patterns.” Opt for modern versions of DayGlo shades to keep it less tacky and more fashionable.

Make sure to pay attention to small details that can elevate the look. For example, play with pattern sizes, create depth by layering sheer or tinted shades, or mix the throwback patterns with modern elements. No need to repeat history when you can improve on it.

Active Length and Shape

Nails by Sarah Waite @chalkboardnails

Nails by Muriel Monique @nailsbymurielmonique

Nails by Katie Masters @nailthoughts

Nails by Meagan Knight @tinybrushes

In 2019, the focus for nail length and shape is wearability. Winnie Huang, CND brand ambassador and NAILS NTNA Season 3 winner, breaks it down: “2019 is all about being functional, yet fashionable. Medium almonds are easy to maintain, while looking chic and stylish.” Ducharme adds, “The trends are shorter and more natural — an oval shape, not too round or too pointed.” This style is sure to be a win for women on the go, and also easily achieved by women who prefer to rock a natural nail.

Haile and Daniel say that nails should complement what you’ve got, suggesting that in 2019, “Nail looks will keep to a more natural look to embrace our natural beauty.”

Iridescent and Pearlescent Shades

Nails by Sarah Waite @chalkboardnails

Nails by Gracie J @theeditorialnail

Nails by Fariha Ali @nailjob

For clients who don’t go for nail art, iridescent and pearlescent shades will be the new neutral in 2019. “They’re an echo to the halo and aura chrome trends of 2017 and 2018, and they’ve been on the cusp of popularity for the past few years,” notes Gregory.

Pearlescent shades can also be a great way to give your nails a healthy glow. Weiss-Fischmann says, “Next year, expect to see pastel shades in lavender, baby blue, and white — not just any white, but hues featuring micas and pearl finishes.”

When your clients are ready to toe the waters of nail art, Gracie J recommends iridescent base colors with minimal geometric designs. It gives the manicure a little extra something without being too over the top.

Customization

Nails by Eichi Matsunaga for Morgan Taylor

Nails by Rosa Vargas @nailsbyrosavargas

Nails by Chelsea King @chelseaqueen

Nails by Chelsea King @chelseaqueen

Customization has been a huge trend in the beauty industry of late, and we expect that to carry over into nails this year. “Today, we have high-tech solutions and greater intelligence for every client situation,” Arnold says. “This means analyzing client need and customizing a plan that works for the client’s nail and skin type, lifestyle, fashion preference, and time requirements.”

The personalization trend is not just for product type. “The trendiest techs will be giving clients a true custom experience with blended, layered shades and effects that make their service completely one of a kind,” says Gregory.

Clients will appreciate the one-of-a-kind approach, as they want to feel that their beauty products and services are working for them, not the other way around. Take the time to address their needs and you’ll have a loyal client for life.

The great thing about nails is that they can be constantly changed and updated, so don’t feel too locked into specific styles or trends. “Encourage clients to experiment, especially with color, which is more accessible than ever,” says Weiss-Fischmann. “Nails are the most expressive fashion accessory we have,” says Arnold, “and it’s great to see they are being celebrated and elevated.”

Sarah Waite is a licensed nail tech and the creator of the popular nail art website www.chalkboardnails.com. Follow her on Instagram @chalkboardnails.

See the upcoming polish, gel-polish, gel, and powder colors! From warm browns and nudes to rich reds, oranges, and blues, this year’s color collections bring comfort and a touch of holiday glam as cool weather takes over.

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